Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident due to another person’s negligent actions, do not hesitate to contact OnderLaw immediately for legal representation. We have been putting our skills and knowledge to work for accident victims throughout Columbia since 2002. Someone else caused your injuries and should be held liable. You shouldn’t face the financial struggles that come with paying for medical treatment and other expenses. Let the personal injury attorneys of OnderLaw advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver.

Motorists might disobey traffic signs or be completely unaware of the laws associated with pedestrians. Sometimes it’s much harder to notice foot traffic than other vehicles. Even if you have the right of way at a crosswalk, an inattentive driver might blow through the red light, causing you physical harm. At OnderLaw , our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers know the challenges you’re up against after a pedestrian accident, and we want to help. We will dedicate our time and attention to every legal aspect of your case to recover the financial compensation you need and deserve so you can heal and move forward with your life. Call us right now for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

People choose to walk for various reasons. It’s good physical exercise and can save money that they would typically spend on public transportation or gas for the car. Unfortunately, it also comes with risks. Despite walking being better for your body, mind, and overall health, you could suffer debilitating or even fatal injuries if you are struck or run over by a vehicle.

Many pedestrian accidents occur because of driver error or inattention. The most common causes include:

• Failure to yield – Driver proceeds through a stop sign or red light before checking for crossing pedestrians.
• Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds prevents a motorist from slowing down in time to avoid crashing into someone walking across the street.
• Driving under the influence – It’s harder to notice what’s happening in the road ahead and appropriately react while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Backing up – Anyone backing out of a driveway or parking space should proceed with caution and look both ways for passing foot traffic.
• Right or left turn at intersections – Pedestrians with a walk signal or green light can proceed through an intersection. However, inattentive motorists turning left or right won’t notice a person walk across their path.
• Distracted driving – Drivers must remain focused behind the wheel at all times to respond to vehicles ahead, emergencies, foot traffic, and other scenarios. Texting and other forms of distraction take their attention off the task of driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Parking lots – Pedestrians are common in parking lots. They walk to and from their vehicles or pass through during their morning run. Drivers backing out of parking spaces or traveling down a lane must always take the necessary precautions to avoid crashing into someone walking near their car.

The Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys of OnderLaw are familiar with the many causes of pedestrian accidents and handle them effectively. When you come to us, we can review the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of legal action to get you the money you’re owed.

Injuries Often Suffered In Pedestrian Accidents

Any person sitting on a restaurant patio, crossing the road, or going for their morning run could become the victim of a pedestrian accident. Without any protective gear for the pedestrian, the impact of a vehicle against the human body can cause catastrophic injuries and death.

The most common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents are:

• Psychological damage – Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after intense and life-altering experiences. The trauma of an accident can cause mental or emotional issues requiring therapy or medication.
• Traumatic brain injury – A sudden jolt or blow to the head can cause severe damage, interrupting the brain’s functional capacity.
• Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, dislocations, and tears could heal adequately with minimal to no medical treatment. However, they often cause significant pain and loss of mobility. Permanent injuries can result, causing ongoing physical problems.
• Broken bones – A broken bone can cause extreme pain and might require intensive treatment, such as surgery or physical therapy, to heal.
• Loss of limb or amputation – In extreme situations, the violent impact of a car, truck, or another vehicle striking or running over a person’s body can sever a limb or extremity. Sometimes, the extreme physical damage from an accident results in a necessary surgical amputation.
• Paralysis – Total or partial paralysis can occur if there’s severe spinal cord damage. Long-term medical care and assistance become necessary to walk, dress, and perform other daily tasks.
• Internal injuries – No one can see internal damage that results from a pedestrian accident. However, it can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding or a fractured rib piercing an organ could lead to death without immediate medical intervention.

You should go to the hospital immediately after a pedestrian accident for a thorough medical examination. Often, accident victims will skip seeing a doctor because they don’t feel any pain or believe their injury is minor and can heal on its own. However, some injuries don’t show visible symptoms until days later. Others cause internal damage that might manifest as symptoms similar to other less serious ailments. Without an adequate diagnosis, you likely won’t receive the treatment necessary to recover and could end up with a permanent condition.

How to Pursue Compensation from the At-Fault Driver

You could file an insurance claim with the driver’s auto insurer. Missouri follows the traditional fault system to determine who’s financially responsible for a person’s injuries and associated losses. In this state, whoever causes an accident can be held liable for the victim’s expenses due to medical treatment and other costs.

State law requires all motorists to purchase auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. These coverages could compensate for various losses in a liability claim, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Damage to personal property
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Mental anguish
• Out of pocket expenses
• Loss of income
• Lost earning capacity
• Wrongful death

The Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys of OnderLaw can review the past and future losses you suffered to determine a full and fair settlement amount and make a demand to the insurance company. If they unfairly deny your claim or provide an offer much less than you need and deserve, we have the resources to file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court.

Taking the Necessary Steps to Secure Your Future

After a pedestrian accident, there are multiple steps you should follow to protect your rights to the maximum possible compensation. We know the stress of handling an insurance claim or lawsuit and want to relieve your burden and make this process as easy as possible for you. The first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. It’s vital that you don’t wait long before your initial appointment. Whether you go to the hospital or make an appointment with your doctor, undergo a medical evaluation immediately after the accident.

You should also hire an experienced Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer from OnderLaw . We can take on the legal responsibilities of your case while you focus on your recovery. We can investigate the crash to determine who was at fault and collect relevant evidence to prove what happened. We will also request copies of your medical records to show the injury you sustained and the treatment plan you’re following.

As our Columbia pedestrian lawsuit attorneys are working on the legal aspects of your case, be sure not to skip any doctor’s appointments or delay treatment for any reason. The insurance company is not your friend. They may seem like they care about your situation and want to help you move forward with an adequate settlement. However, they often put their own interests over their claimants’ interests. They will use every tactic they can to intimidate you into accepting a lowball settlement or find an excuse to deny your claim altogether. Inconsistent medical treatment is excellent proof that an accident victim’s injury isn’t real or as serious as claimed.

Maintain all records associated with the accident, including medical records, lost wages reports, prescription receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses you incurred. We need to show the insurance company that you deserve the insurance coverage listed on the at-fault driver’s policy. Without substantial evidence, they could deny their policyholder’s liability and place complete blame on you.

Contact a Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At OnderLaw , our team of experienced and dedicated lawyers will fight hard to assist you with your case so you can recover from your injuries. Pedestrian accidents often cause severe injuries, upending the victim’s life and changing the course of their future. We want to ensure you receive the maximum financial compensation necessary to heal and get your life back on track.

If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in Columbia, call OnderLaw . We can discuss the details of your situation during a free consultation and get to work on your case immediately.